Concerns over Internet privacy continue
to hamper e-commerce, according to two surveys.Jupiter Communications found that about 64 percent of respondents
don't trust a Web site even if it has posted a privacy policy.Jupiter projected that privacy issues could
potentially put an $18 billion dent in the $40 billion e-commerce
revenue it projects by 2002.Consumer
fears are proving to be "more complex" and difficult to
assuage.Michael Slack, a Jupiter analyst said, "It's
not just about having legislation or privacy policy postings.There is a general nervousness about giving
personal and credit card information on the Net.Sites need to actively promote their efforts among consumers to
start pushing back their fears."Those surveyed who said they just browse, rather than buy
online, said they are unlikely to purchase anything unless sites
help them feel more secure about handing over credit card data."These same people will be less willing to give information
about themselves until they feel they can trust the site; and without
that information, the sites can't offer the targeted advertising
that more and more advertisers are looking for," Slack said.(www.jup.com)

The second survey, by NFO Interactive, a Greenwich,
Connecticut firm, found that the safekeeping of online consumers
personal information was the main factor why people chose not

to
shop online.A survey of
4,523 Internet users, both buyers and non-buyers, revealed that
consumers said the attribute that would most entice them to shop
at a Web site was "trust that the site would keep personal
information private." The security of a retail website is also
a concern for online consumers.Other consumer concerns include if the site is timely, if
it's technically reliable, and if the goods purchased online are
quickly delivered.(www.nfoi.com)